Before the meeting:
- Print one Fingerprint Card on white cardstock for each Cub Scout.
- Print a single copy of Fingerprint Patterns.
- Gather the supplies.
- Set up meeting space so Cub Scouts have an area to do their fingerprinting.
During the meeting:
- Let Cub Scouts know that fingerprints are skin patterns on the ends of your fingers and thumbs. Their fingerprints are different from those of everyone else on earth. Even identical twins have different fingerprints! When we touch things, we always leave fingerprints even if we cannot see them! That’s because our skin produces sweat and oil.
- Explain that because everyone has unique fingerprints, law enforcement officers can use them to figure out who was at a crime scene. Using the Fingerprint Pattern worksheet, show Cub Scouts the fingerprint patterns and point out differences.
- Tell Cub Scouts that now they will get to investigate their own fingerprints.
- Make sure Cub Scouts’ hands are clean and dry so ink can stick to fingers.
- Demonstrate how to take a fingerprint.
- Extend one finger at a time while tucking under the other four fingers.
- Roll the finger on the ink pad so the entire fingerprint pattern area is evenly covered with ink. The ink should cover from one edge of the nail to the other and from the crease of the first joint to the tip of the finger. Try not to push too firmly on the pad, you don’t want the finger to have too much ink.
- Roll each finger from nail to nail in the appropriate space on fingerprint card. Make sure to lift each finger up straight up after rolling to avoid smearing and smudging.
- Have each Cub Scout decide which hand they want fingerprinted.
- Have each Cub Scout practice fingerprinting a finger or two on a piece of scratch paper until they feel they have the technique down.
- Give each Cub Scout a fingerprint card to take their “real” fingerprints.
- Once each finger is printed give Cub Scout a baby wipe to clean the ink off.
- Give each Cub Scout a magnifying glass and a fingerprints patterns sample.
- Have each Cub Scout share with a buddy what patterns they see in their fingerprints. Are they the same as their buddy?
Tip: Combine this activity with requirement 1 “Solve the Mystery.”
